How To Recognize The Right Cerebral Palsy Case For You

How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is a permanent condition that requires medical attention. Children with CP frequently visit a pediatrician along with a physical rehabilitation and medicine specialist. The doctors will take an medical history, conduct a thorough physical exam and conduct tests, such as an MRI or CT scan.

A cerebral palsy attorney can assist families in obtaining fair compensation for the lifetime needs of their child. Contact  cerebral palsy lawyer billings  to schedule a free case review.

Diagnosis

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that affects the ability to move, balance, and control. It is caused by injuries or disorders in the regions of the brain that control the movement of muscles. It typically occurs prior to, during or shortly after birth.

Doctors can determine if a child is suffering of cerebral palsy by looking at the child's symptoms, medical history and physical exam, monitoring growth and milestones, as well as taking a look at the results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists like an orthopedist for children, neurologists and physiatrists. The skin, urine, and blood tests are also possible to order.

Babies born with CP typically have delays in developmental milestones. They also have stiff muscles and overexaggerated reflexes, which are not seen in normal babies. They may also have low Apgar scores, which could indicate oxygen deprivation. It can be difficult to identify in infants who are still developing and a final diagnosis is generally made by age 2. The earlier a child's condition is recognized, the better treatment will be. Many families are able to join support groups, associations and counseling services for their children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy manifest during early childhood and result from damage to the brain area that regulates posture and movement. This damage is not reversible, and it affects muscles and body movements.

Children with dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements in their feet, hands, and arms. They might also have a hard time reaching, picking up objects and coloring with crayons. They might be slurring and have trouble keeping their balance and walk on the tip of their toes.

The least common kind of CP is ataxic. It causes unorganized and awkward movements. People with hypotonic CP have low muscle tone, and their arms and legs move easily and resemble those of a Rag doll.

Doctors usually diagnose a child with CP in the first two years of life, unless it is not severe and in that case, they may make a diagnosis at age four or five. Women must be vaccinated against diseases like rubella and German Measles before they are pregnant to reduce their risk of developing CP. It is also crucial for mothers to receive regular prenatal care throughout the pregnancy, which could help avoid complications such as premature birth and low birth weight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy may result from anything that interferes in the development of the brain, such as pregnant infections, complications during labor and birth, or head injuries. Cerebral Palsy is more frequent when babies are born before 32 weeks or with low weight at birth. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy, rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus or herpes infections may trigger inflammation that damages the developing nervous system.

Each individual's CP treatment plan will differ for each. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist will oversee medical care and formulate treatment plans that focus on specific symptoms and needs.

The use of medications to lessen the tightness of muscles (such as onabotulinumtoxinA or Botox) can be used to improve function and ease pain or other symptoms. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted, or to correct spinal problems like an unusually curved back, in severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists help children learn to communicate and speak and can also teach parents how to improve their child's communication skills. Therapy for recreation helps children take part in enjoyable activities that foster social interaction, self-esteem and motor skill development.

Support

Finding the right support can make all the difference. Families with cerebral palsy and their children can join groups of people who have similar experiences at a local meeting or on the internet. Many groups organize events to raise funds and awareness for the condition.

Teachers can help children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan for students who will miss class due to doctor's appointments or medication. They can also create accommodations in the classroom, such as allowing students to travel between classes, complete exams or for doctor visits.

Adults with CP can seek advice from an occupational therapist on their independence, including housing, finding work and benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to determine if their medications are working and what could cause their symptoms to worsen.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local specialists in this condition. The database is available to residents of Michigan and lets them search by insurance company.

Legal Issues

Your cerebral palsy lawyer can help you receive an appropriate settlement from the medical professionals responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure is about gathering more evidence to prove the medical providers and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed acts of negligence, causing brain injury and that led to cerebral palsy.

A legal action seeks financial compensation for the damages your family has suffered as well as expected future costs. It's also about making changes and further guidelines to prevent similar injuries from happening to other children in the future.

Some parents worry that suing for medical malpractice could make them appear greedy or as if they don't accept the child they have. But the reality is that the cost of caring for a person suffering from CP can reach into the millions.

Consult a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you are able to. Every state has a statute of limitations, and the sooner you start your case the more effective. A lawyer can explain the laws in your area, and what you need to do next.